Kampen: MBI’s Flagship Location

Port of Zwolle: Developing into a Sustainable Port of the Future

Within the Zwolle Region, one of the Netherlands' leading economic areas, the Port of Zwolle plays a vital role. By increasing waterborne transport, advancing the energy transition, and supporting circular production processes, Port of Zwolle is emerging as the sustainable port of the future. It operates as a joint venture of the municipalities of Zwolle, Meppel, and Kampen. Since early 2023, the new production facility of MBI De Steenmeesters in Kampen has been fully operational, marking a significant step in transforming Port of Zwolle into a hub for sustainable business. Recognizing its efforts, MBI was named Port Entrepreneur of the Year in March 2023.

MBI De Steenmeesters: A Sustainable Leader in Construction

MBI, with multiple locations across the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany, offers a diverse range of high-quality products, including decorative paving, facade solutions, and ceramic tiles. The company, known for its commitment to sustainability, has positioned Kampen as its main production site since retiring its Veghel factory in mid-2023. According to MBI CEO Marcel Bettonvil, this recognition highlights their impact on the local community while reinforcing their commitment to operational excellence.

Environmental Awareness

MBI operates one of Europe's most sustainable concrete manufacturing facilities in Kampen's Haatlandhaven. Known as the “Modern Mondrian,” the factory integrates innovative techniques with a focus on environmental consciousness. The energy-intensive production processes are supported by solar and wind energy.

Energy Transition Leader

MBI is at the forefront of the energy transition. Its Kampen site operates two wind turbines and 5,300 solar panels, minimizing external energy needs. Electric forklifts have replaced diesel-powered ones, and the factory repurposes heat from concrete curing for energy-efficient climate control.

Port of Zwolle: A Multimodal Logistics Hub

Port of Zwolle serves as the logistical gateway to the Zwolle Region, with multimodal connections to Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Antwerp, and Europe’s northern and eastern regions. Strategically located, Kampen facilitates efficient waterborne transport of raw materials and products, aligning with MBI’s supply chain needs.

Market Leadership and Innovation

MBI leads the Dutch market in aesthetic concrete and ceramic tiles. Its flagship Kampen location spans 14 hectares and houses cutting-edge production lines like the “Modern Mondrian” tile factory and the “New Rembrandt” post-processing plant, which digitally decorates tiles with ceramic designs. The factory emphasizes automation, quality, and sustainability by using innovations such as Cemsaver, which reduces cement usage, and a gas-free climate control system.

Circular Economy and the Betonakkoord

Port of Zwolle aims to embrace circular practices, recycling materials like old concrete into new products. MBI actively supports this vision, contributing to the Betonakkoord, an industry-wide agreement promoting sustainability in concrete production.

Strategic Importance of Kampen

Kampen’s port location allows MBI to receive raw materials via waterways from across the Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium. This sustainable logistics network enhances efficiency while reducing the carbon footprint of material transport.

Challenges: Kornwerderzand Lock Expansion

The future of the Kornwerderzand lock expansion, essential for accommodating larger ships, is uncertain due to rising costs. Port of Zwolle and regional stakeholders emphasize its importance for economic growth, calling on the Dutch government to provide the necessary funding. Without it, opportunities for improved international connectivity and regional development could be missed.

Maritime Economy Development

The expansion would bolster the maritime economy across the IJsselmeer region, benefiting entrepreneurs and fostering investment in areas like Urk, Zwolle, and Kampen. Port of Zwolle continues to advocate for the lock’s realization to strengthen its role in the Dutch and European logistics network.